Hey!
Ive always struggled with runnning and want to work my way up to 5km runs as it will be a massive achievement for someone who has just never suceeded in distance running.
I can cycle 120km without issue and am reasonably fit, however there is just something about running that kills me!
I live in a fairly undulating estate so a run around the area is quite hard work for me.
Why is it that i struggle so much with running when i can push through fatigue in other activities?
Any beginners tips to help me reach my 5km goal?

My advice would be practice. If you continue to go biking, your not taking any much action to improve your running. Try starting small, for example go running 1 km. If you can do this no problem then try 2km. When you find you can do a certain distance incorporate breaks, for example sprint, jog, walk, jog, sprint the distance. If that makes any sense.

Also try to workout your lower body in other training sessions. The key is practice IMO, it worked for me, and although i can't do a mile yet, when i started working out a week or so ago i could barely sprint for 2 minutes...

Good Luck, i hope you get the answer you desire...

(P.S: I may actually be wrong, better wait for a more experienced member to reply...)

Different muscles and definitely a heck of a lot harder on your body.

I'd follow this trianing plan, it should allow you to reach your goal...

5 K Training: Novice

Most reasonably fit people cannot run a mile so don't feel bad. Just run as far as you can - then walk - repeat. You'll get to 5K soon!

Make sure you have a good pair of shoes. Also, if you are running in grassy areas, they can do a number on you. So try to run on flat surfaces.

Don't stress out about the mileage. Just worry about actually running for a duration of time rather than a certain length. Like make small goals, run for 5 minutes, sprint for 1 minute, etc.

As for actually running a mile, lots of people cannot. For reasonably fit people, it's more like a psychological issue rather than a physical issue.

Dallen makes a very interesting point. Most people will run in whatever they consider to be the appropriate shoes. But something like 85% of society has some sort of mechanical issue when it comes to running.

You might want to go to your local running shop and have them watch you run. After watching you, they will find a pair of shoes that will accomodate your mechanical issues (if any).

Someone earlier was right with saying don't focus on the km's at the moment focus on how long you can run for. I started off literally not being able to run for 2 minutes and now I'm training for a half marathon and I currently can run 16km!! Keeping in mind back in the 2 minute days I was almost 50kg heavier than I am now

The thing I love about running is that it's an amazing mental experience, it takes a whole lot of dedication and disipline but you'll get there. When you reach your running goal you feel an amazing high that NOTHING in this world can compare to, many times I have burst into tears after finishing an amazing run and beating my personal best and I'm not an emotional person!

Enough of that for the moment, I recommend you start by running for one minute then walking for two and slowly increasing the minutes when you feel you can. Be patient, good things come to those who wait!

i did some treadmill running today and did 2.5km fairly easily
i guess running is very easy when u dont have to battle with hills though.
Im thinking i'll work up to 5km on the treadmill and then slowly work my way up on normal terrain.
is it likely there will b a big difference between treadmill and a reasonably flat circuit around a lake?

I just started running a few months ago and I just did 8 miles this morning....and I live in a VERY hilly area. I'm not saying this to brag, but to show you what seems impossible now will come in short time if you're dedicated. Once you get on a roll, the miles start to come more easily

oh wow 8 miles in very hilly area doesnt sound too appealing but well done haha
hopefully i can work up to that kind of run one day!
i made 5.5km on treadmill today and yesterday
im going to start running around a lake circuit soon but was wondering how many km's i could expect to be able to do given the differences in treadmill running vs. outdoors.
the circuit is reasonably flat i think.

I think where most people notice the difference is speed and muscle soreness. The treadmill is easier on the body because the platform is padded and actually gives a little when you run on it. The ground in most cases does not. If the lake circuit is paved, you'll notice your speed is probably not as fast as it is on the treadmill and your muscles may be a little more sore than normal the next day. Your body will adapt to the difference quickly though. And to answer your question, you should expect to run the same... just slower.

yeh treadmill definately makes for a more comfortable run! the lake circuit is gravel

Go with the treadmill or outdoors, whichever you prefer. Just go out there and start doing it. As you build up that running musculature, make gazillions of mitochondria, miles of capillaries and improve your cardiovascular system you will be able to go farther and faster. Until then, enjoy the week on week improvement.

welllll i went for a run outside yesterday, no idea how far! but it was freezinggggggggggggggg and i was reminded of how much i hate the feeling of cold air in my throat.
so ive decided now that i will stick with treadmill until its a bit warmer outside!
i have a new goal now though, i want to work up to 10km run on the treadmill at 9.5km/hr.
i ran 6.5km today so still a fair way to go but considering a week ago the most i had run was like hmmmmmm 1.5 or 2km im doing alright =]

is a jog on treadmill at 9.5km/hr really slow?
im 164cm tall if that affects anything

9.5km per hour is a good place to start! I've been running for about 6 months now and I run on 11.5km per hour if that's any indication for you and I'm building up for a half marathon but the furthest I've ran so far is 16km in one go.